.webp)
It would have escaped their notice that a large number of laborers were scattered across this expansive yet oddly desolate area, waiting in the shade to perform their assigned duties. However, they would have heard the chorus of applause as their bus pulled away and vanished into the rapidly fading evening after their training session. And they would have been aware that they were no longer in Kansas. or anyplace in India that isn't.
Starting on Sunday, South Africa and India will compete in the men's World Cup. Like ferocious beasts, these teams have circled each other throughout the competition, pushing aside weaker teams. They lead the standings, and they will be on the same field on Sunday—not before time—with nowhere for each other to hide or run.
The South Africans had left by the time the Indians showed up for their practice under the lights, which was probably a good thing. As a result, they were oblivious to the roar that greeted the sight of the home team's bus, which was far more powerful than the one that had been used to send the visitors on their way.
When the Indians showed up for their practice under the lights, it was probably for the best that the South Africans had left long ago. Thus, they were oblivious to the deafening clamor that greeted the sight of the home team's bus, which was far more formidable than the one that had preceded the visitors' departure.
Of course, it helped that they were unaware of the presence of the police, some mounted and others brandishing lathis, who appeared to be using needless force to scatter a crowd that had gathered a few meters away from the bus in an attempt to get a look at the men who not only wore the real deal when it came to those saffron and blue shirts, but also personified so many of the nation's hope and dreams. Maybe to wish Virat Kohli a happy 35th birthday on Sunday as well.
The few hours of South Africa's session passed slowly in front of empty banks of seats. Shaun Pollock was present and appeared to strike up conversations with several of his countrymen. Rob Walter snapped a picture of the field in preparation for the game on Sunday, most likely in order to compare it to the final product on Sunday.
Temba Bavuma gave a press conference prior to his training, which was well-attended but not particularly crowded. He was cruelly and mysteriously questioned about choking. The captain of a team that had won six of the seven games in the tournament, a team that had battled valiantly to win the only game in which they had been tested, handled the pressure well and responded—not for the first time with good grace. To stammer? How to respond to that is beyond me. I don't think choking will be an issue if we get unhinged tomorrow. If India were to get stuck, I doubt you would claim that they had choked.
A few hours later, Rahul Dravid walked into the same room and sat in the same chair. There was only space for standing this time, and the ICC media manager had to raise his voice to get a rebellious cameraman to move out of the way. Sir and Bhai were used to address Dravid. The audience laughed at his father jokes and nodded in agreement with everything he said, acting more like they were watching someone they would pay a lot of money to see than the greatest cricket player alive.
The action was brewing outside of India's session, on the field. There were over a hundred people observing from the stands. There were up to four sizable national flags being flown, and Sudhir Gautam—who was formerly Sachin Tendulkar's number one, but is now the team's—was present. He got up, painted his body, and blew his conch.
The wail of the shell rose like a fog horn into the murky darkness. That sound was that of dreams and hopes.
Ahead of time: Temperature: 32°C; humidity: 65%; small totals, according to the form book. The first innings totals in the two games that have been played here in the tournament so far were 229 and 204. However, Bangladesh and the Netherlands were the teams who managed to score them. The reality on Sunday is completely different.
India
On a surface where captain Temba Bavuma of South Africa felt his team could use an extra spinner, India might also be tempted to go with the R Ashwin option. But if past performance is any indication, they will stick with the lineup that has worked well for them in the previous few games, even if it means starting the same five bowlers in back-to-back games.
Strategies and tactics
Starting with a team that appears unbeatable across the board, where do you start? India appeared to be a greater threat when they pursued after they amassed five victories while batting second. However, that was because they hadn't started the tournament batting first. When they did, they triumphed by a score of 302 runs.
South Africa
Will South Africa use both Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj, or was Bavuma playing mind tricks when he said at his press conference on Saturday that you'll definitely see those two if the wicket helps the spinners? Then he said he hadn't seen the pitch yet. A second spinner's inclusion would be supported by one reading of the statistical tea leaves, but not by another.
Strategies and tactics
In contrast to India, South Africa has appeared more formidable when it comes to achieving its goals. When batting first, they have triumphed five times and lost just once. They have triumphed in a chasing match, winning by a single wicket, despite the target being a reasonable 271.
Did you know?
- Virat Kohli has never batted for India on his birthday, but he has scored two of his 48 ODI centuries in November.
- Tabraiz Shamsi has a bowling average of 63.60 in six One-Day Internationals against India, but 26.71 in three games played in India.
- During the tournament at Eden Gardens, Pace has claimed 21 wickets at 19.33 and an economy rate of 4.30. He has also spun 10 wickets at 36.30 and 4.81.
As they put it:
We are making an effort to play without even considering our opponents. It's all focused on us. It concerns our readiness, our strategy, and our ability to use our abilities. . India is the main focus under Rahul Dravid.
While playing at Eden Gardens is a special occasion, it does turn into just another cricket match. Temba Bavuma downplays the historic occasion.
Posts
